Portable Play Activity Apparatus with Toy Storage &amp; Toy Transportation Capabilities

ABSTRACT

A toy storage and transportation apparatus includes a mat and a container that merges integrally into the mat. The container defines a storage interior and has a first open end and second closed end. The mat extends outwardly from the container to form a recreation area. When in a storage configuration, the mat flexibly rolls around and conforms to the shape of the container. The mat can further comprise a floor portion and at least two flap portions, with flap portions defining a crease with the floor portion. Each flap portion has an attachment fixed to the flap portion opposite from the crease. When folded along the creases and attached to each other with the attachment, the floor portion and flap portions define a tent structure. The flap portions can be formed with a sleeve, and support members are inserted into respective sleeves to form the tent structure.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/081,039, filed Jul. 16, 2008 by Kalyn Renee Russell et al. for aninvention entitled “Portable Play Activity Apparatus with Toy Storageand Toy Transportation Capabilities”, and hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of child activityapparatus. More specifically, the present invention pertains to aportable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportationcapabilities that provides a user with a roll up, portable play activitymat and also with a vessel in which to store and transport toys and thelike.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many devices that are used for toys and/or toy storage have a fixedstructure and are very cumbersome and inconvenient to set up for theplay activity. After the playful activity is complete, the size toy/toystorage devices are not adapted for easy and convenient transport.Accordingly, a principal objective of the present invention is toprovide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toytransportation capabilities that will overcome the deficiencies of theprior art devices. Several advantages and objects of the presentinvention are as described below.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a portable playactivity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilitiesthat will allow a user to storage and transport a variety of articlessuch as toys and the like in a safe and secure manner. Yet anotherobjective of the present invention is to provide a portable playactivity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilitiesthat is portable and can be embodied with an adjustable shoulder strap.Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable playactivity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilitiesthat allows a play area mat to be rolled up and stored around theexterior of the tube shaped storage container.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable playactivity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilitiesthat can be printed on for the presentation and display of a variety ofgraphic scenes and images. Still another objective of the presentinvention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toystorage and toy transportation capabilities which can be used to storeand transport a wide variety of articles in a safe and secure mannerincluding toys, books, clothing, food and beverage items, diapers orpull ups, personal care items including tooth brushes, combs, hairbrushes, towels, blankets, and other articles.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable playactivity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilitiesthat can be embodied with a pillow device for use as a head supportdevice. Another objective of the present invention is to provide aportable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportationcapabilities that can be embodied with a tent structure for temporarilycovering a user. Another objective of the present invention is toprovide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toytransportation capabilities that can be attached to a number of otherlike apparatus for the creation of larger play or activity areas.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable playactivity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilitiesthat can be attached to a number of other like apparatus for thecreation of larger tent structures. Another objective of the presentinvention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toystorage and toy transportation capabilities to which can be applied avariety of appliqués such as tires, carriage wheels, car front ends,carriage front ends, castle walls, seating or stands such as those usedfor race tracks, sports stadiums, etc.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable tooland car repair mat that can be attached to a rolling car repair dollyand also hold a variety of tools for easy access during car repair.Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable playactivity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilitiesthat may be offered in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials to suita wide variety of applications and user preferences. Another objectiveof the present invention is to provide a portable play activityapparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities thatcomprise infant mobile devices that contain hanging items such as toys,animals, etc which can be assembled and placed over the play mat area toentertain an infant or child.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable playactivity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilitiesthat contains audio or musical capabilities such as radio, CD, etc.Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable playactivity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilitiesthat contains alarm clock capabilities. Another objective of the presentinvention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toystorage and toy transportation capabilities that contains built inlighting capabilities. Another objective of the present invention is toprovide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toytransportation capabilities that contains darkening screens for reducinglight bleed when used for sleeping purposes.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable playactivity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilitieswhich is more versatile and compact than prior art devices. It isintended that any other advantages and objectives of the presentinvention that become apparent or obvious from the detailed descriptionor illustrations contained herein are within the scope of the presentinvention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A portable play activity apparatus for toy storage and transportation inaccordance with several embodiments of the present invention can includea mat and a container that merges into the mat so that the container andmat to form an integral combination. The container defines a storageinterior and has a first open end and second closed end. When in anoperational configuration, the mat extends outwardly from the containerto form a recreation area. When in a storage configuration, the mat hassufficient flexibility, to allow for it to be rolled around thecontainer and conform to the shape of the container when the apparatusis in a storage/transport configuration.

According to several embodiments of the present invention, the mat canfurther comprise a floor portion and at least two flap portions, with ofthe flap portions defining a crease with said floor portion. Each flapportion has an attaching means fixed to the flap portion opposite fromthe crease. When folded along the creases and attached to each otherwith the attachment means, the floor portion and flap portions cooperateto define a tent structure. The flap portions can be formed with asleeve, and respective support members, each said support members beinginserted into a respective said sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention will be best understood from theaccompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similarly-referenced characters refer to similarlyreferenced parts, and in which;

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable play activity apparatusaccording to several embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the portable play activity apparatus ofFIG. 1, which illustrates the play mat in an unrolled and ready to usestate;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the portable play activityapparatus FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portable play activity apparatusof FIG. 1, which shows the play mat in the unrolled and ready to usestate, the main storage compartment, the secondary optional tent storagecompartment, and further showing the optional flap portions of the matin an assembled and upright position;

FIG. 5 is the same view as FIG. 4, but with objects disposed in the mainstorage compartment, and with the container having a front accessopening and hinged panels, according to several alternative embodimentsof the present invention, which are shown in the open position;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a portable play activity apparatusillustrating the tented embodiment with the tent in the assembled statehaving a rectangular flap opening, with the play mat in the unrolled andready to use state, further showing the optional vertical mat borderpieces in the assembled and upright position;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a portable play activity apparatusillustrating the tented embodiment with the tent in the assembled statewith the play mat in the unrolled and ready to use state, furthershowing the optional vertical mat floor portion and flap portions in theassembled and upright position;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of two portable play activityapparatus, which illustrates the tented embodiments with the tents inthe assembled state with the play mats in the unrolled and ready to usestate; further showing the optional flap portions in the assembled andupright position with both assemblies disposed end to end to allowpassage from one apparatus to the other;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of a portable play activity apparatusillustrating another tented embodiment supported by flexible rods, withthe tent in the assembled state having a rectangular flap opening, withthe play mat in the unrolled and ready to use state, further showing theoptional vertical mat border pieces in the assembled and uprightposition;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portable play activity apparatus ofFIG. 1, but further showing the optional vertical mat border pieces inthe flat non assembled position with the Velcro connection tabs notattached;

FIG. 11 is the same view as FIG. 10, but with the mat floor portion andflap portions in the upright assembled position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portable play activity apparatus ofFIG. 1, according to several embodiments of the present invention, whichillustrates an optional recessed pillow storage compartment withattached pillow and an attached sleeping bag in the laid out ready touse state;

FIG. 13 is a perspective top view of a portable play activity apparatusillustrating the play mat in the unrolled and ready to use state, andfurther showing multiple optional front disposed, hinged access doors inthe closed position, as well as a side disposed access that is capped;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is the same view of FIG. 14, but with the apparatus in apartially rolled up state;

FIG. 16 is the same view of FIG. 14, but with the mat fully wrappedaround the container in a fastened state;

FIG. 17 is the same view as FIG. 16, but with a carrying shoulder strapattached to each end of the container;

FIG. 18 is the same view as FIG. 16, but with a handle fastened to theback side of the mat;

FIG. 19 is an end view of a portable play activity apparatus of FIG. 1,which shows the play mat in the rolled up, ready to store or transportstate; and

FIG. 20 is an end view of an alternate embodiment of a portable playactivity apparatus illustrating the play mat in the unrolled ready touse state, wheel appliqués attached to the main tube body ends, andfurther showing an enlarged detail illustrating the wheel center as athreaded, removable end cap removed from the main tube body with objectsinserted inside the tube body end opening.

WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS

In view of the limitations now present in the prior art, the presentinvention provides a new and useful portable play activity apparatuswith toy storage and toy transportation capabilities, which is simplerin construction, more universally usable and more versatile in operationthan known device of this kind.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new portable playactivity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilitiesthat provides a user with a roll up, portable play activity mat and alsowith a vessel in which to store and transport toys and the like. It isalso a purpose of the present invention to provide a new portable playactivity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilitiesthat has many novel features not offered by the prior art apparatus thatresult in a new portable play activity apparatus which is not apparent,obvious, or suggested, either directly or indirectly by any of the priorart apparatus.

The present invention, disclosed herein in several embodiments, canprovide portable toy storage and play area that can quickly be unrolledand placed into a position on the ground where a child can comfortablyplay in a designated region. The device will allow a user to transport awide variety of items, and can be used by children of a wide age groupfor a variety of purposes which are disclosed herein as preferred andalternate embodiments including but not limited in use to, a portabletoy storage and play mat area, a portable overnight tube for storingpersonal items, pillow, clothing, as well as a wrap around sleeping matand optional tent for sleepovers and or camping environments, a portablemodular, tented play area that can be connected to one or more similarmodular play areas to create a single larger play area, a portablenapping or sleeping mat with optional tent screen or darkening panels toreduce light bleed for day care or travel environments, as well as otherapplications not referred to herein which are obvious to the use andfunction of the invention and are therefore to be considered apparentand obvious to the disclosure contained herein.

Referring now to the Figures, apparatus 10 generally comprises a mainstorage container 12, a play area mat 14 that merges integrally intocontainer 12 and an adjustable shoulder strap 16 (FIG. 17) and optionalthemed appliqués 18. The main storage container 12 in the preferredembodiment can have a cylindrical tube shaped body having first andsecond substantially planar, round ends 20, 22 and a substantiallyhollow interior wherein articles 24 such as toys and the like may beinserted for storage and or transport (See FIGS. 5 and 20). As describedmore fully below, the interior of container 12 can be accessed, and canfunction so that a multitude of articles 24 can be inserted for storageand or transport, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 20. These articles 24 caninclude but not limited in use to, toys, books, clothing, food andbeverage items, diapers, pull ups, personal care items including toothbrushes, combs, hair brushes, towels, blankets, as well as otherarticles not referred to herein.

The adjustable shoulder strap 16 is intended to removably attach to eachend 20, 22 of the tube by means of clip fasteners (not shown) or similarquick release fasteners that will allow a user to quickly detach andre-attach the shoulder strap to the end of container 12 for easytransport. In lieu of (or in addition to) strap 16, a handle 26 can beattached to container 12 for transport of the apparatus 10, as shown inFIG. 18.

It is to be understood that the present invention may embody one or twoopenings disposed at the tube ends 20, 22, and may be closed by avariety of methods including but not limited in use to, hinged flaps,compression caps, screw caps, snap caps, and other methods not referredto herein of closing the tube end openings which are to be consideredapparent and obvious to the disclosure contained herein. For example,and as shown in FIGS. 19-20, tube enclosure cap(s) 28 or similar devicescan be securely held in position at the ends of the container by avariety of means such as threaded connection whereby the cap(s) comprisethreaded grooves at the exterior surface of the cap body, whichintegrate with and engage threaded grooves at the interior of the mainstorage container body and whereby a user must rotate the end cap(s) ina repeated manner to disengage the cap from the storage container bodyand thereby allow access therein to open container 12.

The end caps may further be secured in position by one or a multitude ofpins and slotted grooves (not shown) whereby the pins are embodied inthe main storage container body disposed towards the corresponding endof the container body and protrude inward in a perpendicular manner fromthe curved exterior surface of the storage container body, and wherebythe first and second end caps comprise a corresponding number of slotswhich receive each pin, and when the cap is rotated or twisted in aturning motion, the slots will ride along the pins and act to pull thecaps in a direction which is towards the end of the storage container atwhich point the slots will allow for the pins to be locked into a secureposition along the path of the slot and thereby secure the caps intoposition until the process is reversed. The end caps can also bepresented as end inserts that are inserted or threaded into the ends ofthe tubes and whereby the overall diameter of the opening andcorresponding plug end is smaller than the diameter of the main storagecontainer body.

The play activity mat is generally rectangular in shape and can have aflat profile which is similar to a foam pad with a thickness ofapproximately one half inch (0.5″) and can further be intended to attachto the main storage container body along one edge by means of Velcrostraps, snaps, zippers, buttons, ties, clips, or other fastener notreferred to herein which will perform the same function and is thereforeto be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure containedherein. Or, the mat and container can be manufactured as an integralunit so that the entire mat/container combination is integral to eachusing the processes cited above. The mat material may be offered in avariety of embodiments including but not limited in use to, a piece offoam or foam rubber covered in a vinyl or plastic lining, foam wrappedin fabric, rubber, fabric filled with feathers, down filling, or similarmaterial which will act as a cushioning barrier between the child andthe floor surface. When the mat is not in use, it is intended that themat be wrapped around the exterior surface of the main storagecontainer, and secured thereon by means of Velcro straps 32, as shown inFIGS. 16-18. Snaps, zippers, buttons, ties, clips, or other fastener notreferred to herein which will perform the same function could also beused, and are therefore to be considered apparent and obvious to thedisclosure contained herein.

As shown in FIGS. 4-5 and 10-11, the mat 14 may further include floorportion 40 with folded flap portions 42 that can be folded in a mannerwhich is perpendicular to the main mat body and then attached at eachend to the adjacent panel end by fastening means 44 such as Velcro,snaps, zippers, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, as well as othermethods of attaching the end panels not referred to herein which are tobe considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure. Once the side andend panels are in the folded upright, the panels define a crease 41, andthe flap portions 42 and floor portion 40 of the mat cooperate to createa play enclosure 45, wherein a child can safely play in a securesemi-confined environment, as shown in FIG. 11. When the end and sidepanels are in the flat unfolded position, they will act to extend theplay mat area. It is to be understood that the play mat material isintended to be printed thereon with graphics, images, logos,photographs, alpha and or numeric characters etc.

As shown in FIG. 9, the present invention in several alternateembodiments can comprise one or more tent panels 36. The tent panelsinclude an access opening 37 and can be erected by means of rigid orsemi flexible poles 38 similar to those used in common camping tentenclosures, which insert into sleeves or pockets (not shown), which aresewn into the tent panels and or the connector pocket tabs attached tothe play mat, and which thereby act to keep the tent panels in anupright and stable position. In these embodiments, the container mayinclude a partition disposed within the interior of the tube toestablish an additional storage compartment 34 within the main container12, for the storage of tent panels 36 and poles 38 when not in use. Thetent storage compartment can be seen in FIG. 4. These embodiments mayfurther comprise an additional access opening which is separate from themain tube access openings. Once again, the methods of closing orsecuring the access openings may be accomplished in a variety of waysreferred to above in the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Still other alternate embodiments may contain the tent as described inthe above alternate embodiment as well as openings 37 in the tent panelsand connector pieces to allow for a second tent panel 36 can be attachedto the first tent panel 36 to thereby create a single larger tented playarea structure, which allows for one or more users to travel freelybetween the attached individual tented play areas. An example of thisembodiment is shown in FIG. 8. In this manner the tented play areas canbe connected together in an end to end manner or a side by side mannerthat allows for any number of tented play areas to be connectedtogether.

The present invention in several alternate embodiments can furthercomprise a mat 14 with increase thickens to establish a sleeping mat.These embodiments can option include a sleeping bag 46 which the usercan unroll along with mat 14 and then sleep therein. The sleeping bagcan be selectively attached to mat 14, according to the user's needs.The main tube compartment may further contain a built in pillow recessregion at the exterior of the container wherein a pillow 48 can beselectively attached, or inserted for use when the sleeping bag isunrolled and then remove prior to rolling mat 14 around container 12 forstorage. In these embodiments the sleeping 46 and pillow 48 can beselectively attached via Velcro strips, etc., and the container 12 canbe used to store any variety of items associated with overnight sleepingactivities such as sleep wear, person care items, etc.

Still another alternate embodiment of the invention may be incorporatedinto a rolling car repair dolly wherein the main container is intendedto store and transport articles 24 that are tools, and the mat materialis intended to serve as a back pad which the user lays on during use.This embodiment may offer the main container in a variety of open facedembodiments to allow for quick easy access to tools contained thereinand which may also contains a hinged front face plate that can be closedand secured in position when not in use.

This embodiment may further comprise a variety of articles 24 that areaccessories used in mechanical repair including but not limited in useto, lights, reflectors, compressor connections or equipment, on boarddiagnostics equipment, as well as other items not referred to hereinwhich are to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 20, other alternate embodiments of the invention cancomprise appliqués 18 that can be attached to the exterior surfaces ofthe main storage container to personalize or theme the play area. Theseappliqués 18 can include but not limited in use to, racing car featuressuch as tires, numbers, car doors, car front ends, steering wheels,carriage wheels, carriage front and or back ends, castle components suchas doors, walls, bridges, moats, etc., flowers, fairies, princessassociated items, as well as other themed items not referred to hereinwhich can be incorporated into the invention disclosed herein to furtherenhance or embellish the appearance, use, and or function of theinvention.

Still other alternate embodiments of the invention can comprise infantmobile devices (not shown) that contain hanging items such as toys,animals, etc., which attach to a flexible pole or tube which can beinserted into pole pockets attached to the corners or sides of the mainmat or play pad, and which will act to support the hanging mobiledevices and thereby entertain an infant or child. As in the tentembodiment disclosed above, the various components of the mobile can bestored in the main tube container in the main compartment or a secondarycompartment specific to the components. This embodiment may also be usedwith existing infant and child entertainment products (not shown) thatcan simply be placed on top of the mat or play pad and thereby act toentertain the infant or child.

Still other embodiments can be used for physical work out or gym relatedactivities wherein the mat provides a suitable surface on which a usercan stretch and or yoga, exercise, etc. and wherein the container willserve as a vessel to hold related articles such as gym supplies, water,towel, wallet, keys, etc., and which may contain compartments or pocketshaving nylon netting specific to securing such articles.

The main container and mat can be manufactured separately or as anintegral unit out of a suitable plastic material that can be made bymeans of vacuum forming, injection mold process, or other suitablemethod of manufacture that will accomplish the goal of affordablemanufacturing. If manufactured separately, and as disclosed previouslyherein, the mat or pad material can be a piece of foam or foam rubbercovered in a vinyl or plastic lining, foam wrapped in fabric, rubber,fabric filled with feathers, down filling, or similar material whichwill act as a cushioning barrier between the child and the floorsurface. Other suitable materials may be used to manufacture theinvention in a durable and affordable manner.

In each of the embodiments disclosed herein it is to be understood thatthe main tube body and mats or pads may be offered in a variety ofsizes, colors, and materials to suit a wide variety of applications anduser preferences.

The foregoing has outlined, in general, the physical aspects of theinvention and is to serve as an aid to better understanding the intendeduse and application of the invention. In reference to such, there is tobe a clear understanding that the present invention is not limited tothe method or detail of construction, fabrication, material, orapplication of use described and illustrated herein. Any other variationof fabrication, use, or application should be considered apparent as analternative embodiment of the present invention.

While the portable play activity apparatus of the present invention, asherein shown and described in detail, is fully capable of obtaining theobjects and providing the advantages above stated, it is to beunderstood that the presently preferred embodiments are merelyillustrative of the invention. As such, no limitations are intendedother than as defined in the appended claims.

1. A device comprising: a container; a flexible mat attached to saidcontainer on one edge to extend outwardly therefrom; and, said matconforming to the shape of said container when said mat is wrappedaround said container.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said mat furthercomprises: a floor portion; at least two flap portions, each said flapportion defining a crease with said floor portion; and, said floorportion and said flap portions cooperating to define a tent structurewhen said flap portions are folded along said crease and attached toeach other with said attaching means.
 3. The device of claim 2 whereinsaid flap portions have a sleeve formed therein, and further comprisingat least two support members, each said support members being insertedinto a respective said sleeve.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein saidcontainer defines a storage interior and has a first open end and secondclosed end.
 5. A toy, comprising; a mat; a container merging integrallyinto said mat; and, said mat extending outward from said container andhaving sufficient flexibility to conform to said container when rolledaround said container.
 6. The toy of said 5, wherein said mat furthercomprises: a floor portion; at least two flap portions, each said flapportion defining a crease with said floor portion; and, said floorportion and said flap portions cooperating to define a tent structurewhen said flap portions are folded along said crease and attached toeach other with said attaching means.
 7. The device of claim 5 whereinsaid flap portions have a sleeve formed therein, and further comprisingat least two support members, each said support members being insertedinto a respective said sleeve.
 8. The device of claim 5 wherein saidcontainer defines a storage interior and has a first open end and secondclosed end.
 9. A method for establishing a compact, portable recreationarea comprising the steps of: A) providing a container for holdingrecreation items; B) forming a mat that is integral to said container,said mat extending outwardly from said container when said container; C)wrapping said mat around said container; and, D) selectively extendingsaid mat from said container.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein saidcontainer defines an interior and further comprising the step of: E)storing recreation items in said container.